Pastafarian Weddings In Oregon: Legally Binding?

The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, whose members refer to themselves as Pastafarians, has been granted the right to perform marriages in New Zealand. While the group has yet to officiate a wedding, it is likely only a matter of time before American Pastafarians can enjoy the same marriage rights. In the US, the validity of a marriage depends on each state's marriage laws and the statutory definition of an authorized officiant. In Oregon, for example, there is no requirement for ministers to register with the state before performing wedding ceremonies. The only requirements for a minister are that they must be at least 18 years old and ordained by an accredited religious organization.

Oregon marriage laws

Marriage in Oregon is a civil contract entered into by males and females of at least 17 years of age. If both parties are at least 17, they may marry with the sworn consent of a parent or legal guardian. Oregon does not allow the marriage of close kin, and if either party has a living spouse, marriage in Oregon is not possible. Oregon recognises same-sex marriage.

To obtain a marriage license, couples must appear in person before a county clerk and bring a signed application that includes both parties' social security numbers, ages, places of birth, sexes, occupations, residences, and previous marital statuses. The cost of applying for a marriage license in Oregon is $60, with $25 of this going to the state's Domestic Violence Fund.

There is a three-day waiting period after the issuance of a license before a couple may legally wed. The license is then good for up to 60 days, during which time the marriage ceremony must take place.

Oregon law permits individuals over the age of 18 to perform marriage ceremonies, provided that the officiant is a judicial officer, county clerk, member of the clergy, or secular celebrant. The couple, officiant, and at least two witnesses must appear in person at the ceremony.

The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster (FSM) is a satirical religion that ordains ministers online without any prerequisites. While there is no specific mention of Pastafarian ministers being able to perform weddings in Oregon, the relevant Oregon statute states that marriages may be solemnized by:

> A clergyperson of any religious congregation or organization who is authorized by the religious congregation or organization to solemnize marriages

Therefore, it would appear that a Pastafarian minister could perform weddings in Oregon, provided that they have been authorized by the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster to solemnize marriages. However, it is important to note that there may be legal risks associated with using an unconventionally ordained officiant, and the validity of such marriages could potentially be challenged.

Pastafarian minister ordination

The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, or Pastafarianism, is a satirical new religious movement that promotes a light-hearted view of religion. It was first described in a satirical open letter written by Bobby Henderson in 2005, protesting the teaching of intelligent design in US public schools.

The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster offers online ordination for ministers. For $25, members can purchase a "Certificate of Ordination" on the church's website. The church also offers an "Official Ordination Pack" for $59, which includes a paper certificate, a wallet ID card, and two vinyl car decals. These credentials are suitable for presiding over social ceremonies such as weddings and baptisms, performing last rites, and casting out false prophets.

While Pastafarianism is not recognised as a legitimate religion in all countries, it has gained some recognition in certain jurisdictions. In New Zealand, for example, Pastafarian ministers have been authorised to perform marriages. In the United States, the validity of marriages performed by Pastafarian ministers varies from state to state, depending on the statutory definition of an authorised officiant.

In Oregon, the law recognises marriages performed by "religious officials". However, it is not entirely clear whether Pastafarian ministers would be considered "religious officials" under Oregon law. While Pastafarianism has some characteristics of a religion, such as prayers, rituals, and a creation story, it is primarily a satirical movement.

Therefore, while Pastafarian ministers can obtain ordination certificates, it is unclear if they would be legally recognised as authorised marriage officiants in Oregon. It may depend on the specific requirements and interpretations of the law in Oregon, as well as the views of individual counties and marriage license offices.

Legal authority to preside over weddings

In the United States, the authority to preside over weddings depends on the marriage laws of each state. In Oregon, a minister must be at least 18 years old and ordained by an accredited religious organization to perform a wedding ceremony. The state places no restrictions on a minister's religious beliefs, race, gender, or orientation.

Oregon does not require ministers to register with the state before performing wedding ceremonies. However, it is necessary to have a current and valid minister's license to perform wedding rites. The minister must also present their credentials to any legal authority and/or the parties to the marriage upon their request.

The only requirements for an Oregon wedding ceremony are:

• Each partner must state that they consent to the marriage and take the other as their spouse.
• The minister must pronounce that both partners have consented.
• The minister, both partners, and two competent adult witnesses must be physically present for the entire ceremony.

It is important to note that the failure to satisfy any of these requirements can render the marriage invalid and subject to annulment. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the officiant selected to perform the wedding has the legal authority to do so.

Online ordination

In Oregon, individuals over the age of 18 can perform wedding ceremonies. To solemnize a marriage, the officiant must also be a judicial officer, county clerk, member of the clergy, or secular celebrant.

Universal Life Church

The Universal Life Church (ULC) has ordained ministers who have successfully performed thousands of legal marriages in Oregon. Ordination is free and can be completed in a matter of minutes. ULC ministers are considered religious actors, regardless of their personal or religious beliefs, gender, or residence.

American Fellowship Church

The American Fellowship Church also offers online ordination. Their website states that they currently have many ordained ministers in Oregon. They provide a phone number to be included on the necessary paperwork when solemnizing a marriage in Oregon.

While online ordination is a simple process, it is important to note that marriage laws vary by state. In some states, marriages performed by ministers ordained online are not considered legally valid. It is important to verify all information with the local marriage license office or county clerk before conducting a wedding ceremony.

Marriage solemnization

Who Can Perform a Marriage Ceremony in Oregon?

Oregon law allows several categories of individuals to solemnize marriages, including:

• Judicial officers, such as judges of municipal courts or justices of the peace.
• Clergypersons authorized by a religious congregation or organization.
• Celebrants or officiants of secular organizations.

Requirements for Solemnizing a Marriage in Oregon

To be eligible to solemnize a marriage in Oregon, there are a few key requirements:

• The officiant must be at least 18 years old.
• The officiant must be ordained by an accredited religious organization.
• The officiant must be present at the ceremony, along with the couple and two competent adult witnesses.
• Each partner must consent to the marriage and take each other as spouses.
• The officiant must pronounce that both partners have consented to the marriage.

Online Ordination in Oregon

Online ordination is recognized in Oregon, and ministers ordained online can perform legally binding marriage ceremonies. Universal Life Church (ULC), for example, is considered a religious actor under Oregon law, and ULC-ordained ministers are authorized to solemnize weddings. However, it is always a good idea to carry your ordination credentials with you to provide legal proof of ordination if needed.

Marriage License and Waiting Period

After the ceremony, the officiant is responsible for completing and returning the marriage license to the county clerk's office that issued the license. Oregon has a mandatory three-day waiting period after the issuance of a marriage license before the couple may legally wed, but this waiting period can be waived in certain circumstances. The issued license is valid for 60 days, and the marriage ceremony must take place within this timeframe.

Frequently asked questions